10 Associate Degrees in Communications 2025

Most American community colleges offer associate degrees in communications, including convenient and affordable online programs. It's a solid way to improve your communication skills, overcome the fear of public speaking, and sharpen your critical thinking and research skills.

Many professionals begin profitable careers in public relations by completing associate degrees in communications online before pursuing bachelor's degrees or entering the workforce. This article will explore the value of obtaining an associate degree in communications and introduce you to 10 viable degree programs in this growing field.

Best Associate Degrees in Communications

Communications can prepare you for an array of different jobs, including public relations specialist, digital marketing specialist, marketing analyst, and more. If you're ready to accelerate your career goals, consider one of these accredited programs for associate degrees in communications.

1. Grossmont College

Grossmont College gives media-driven students the chance to cultivate their video/audio skills with five communications concentrations:

• radio audio production
• multi-media audio production
• cross-media journalism
• video production
• standard journalism

The core curriculum features five courses, including ''Social Media in the Digital Age.'' Media communications majors are strongly encouraged to pursue internships before finishing the program.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $363 per credit hour

Financial aid: Financial aid includes scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans

Accreditation: Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)

2. Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University offers associate degrees and certificates, which you can complete almost entirely online. The only in-person requirement is the one-semester-hour practicum, involving about 45 hours of practical work in reporting, social media, or a similar field. Students who desire to continue their education can apply for enrollment in the university's Bachelor of Science (BS) in digital design technology.

Average in-state tuition: $440 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $440 per credit hour

Financial aid: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for financial assistance.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Phoenix College

Phoenix College exposes communications students to ''a dynamic blend of theory and practical experience.'' The associate degree requires 62 to 64 credit hours, which involve core courses, electives, and other courses designed to build effective communication, evaluate public discourse, analyze research, and more. This degree program has seven required courses, such as ''Elements of Intercultural Communication'' and ''Public Speaking.''

Average in-state tuition: $48.50 per credit hour (Maricopa County residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $253 per credit hour (distance learning)

Financial aid: Apply for tuition waivers, grants, scholarships, and student loans.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Weber State University

Weber State University grants Associate in Arts (AA) degrees in communications through three exciting concentrations: communications, digital media production, and workplace communication and writing. The writing concentration requires a capstone project, teaching communications majors several practical skills, like resume writing, portfolio creation, mock interviewing, and other professional communication skills, essential for future employment.

Average in-state tuition: $308 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $308 per credit hour

Financial aid: Scholarships for Utah residents, non-residents, and international students

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. Franklin University

This nonprofit university offers an Associate of Science (AS) in Communications with courses taught by real-world experts through 100% online delivery. This 60-semester-hour program allows you to apply up to 75% of transfer credits to your degree and sessions last between six and 12 weeks.

Working students can attend one class at a time. Franklin enjoys a 98% approval rating among its graduates.

Average in-state tuition: $398 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $398 per credit hour

Financial aid: Franklin promises ''locked-in tuition rates.''

Accreditation: HLC

6. Laney College

Laney College grants a ''Communications Studies 2.0'' degree, preparing graduates for lucrative careers in public affairs, public relations, media consulting, broadcast news entertainment, and more. The associate degree requires students to take coursework in public speaking and interpersonal communication, along with elective options in anthropology, English, and the humanities.

Many graduates use their credentials from Laney College to transfer to four-year colleges, like California State University.

Average in-state tuition: $46 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit hour

Financial aid: Students can qualify for scholarships, loans, and the California College Promise Grant.

Accreditation: ACCJC

7. County College of Morris

County College of Morris provides full-time or part-time students with two degree tracks: public relations and film. Its coursework catalog is extensive, including a survey class, ''Advertising and Society,'' which explores every advertising mechanism since the Industrial Revolution. Students can also become familiar with several aspects of journalism, media ethics, media law, mass communication, research, and interviewing.

Average in-state tuition: $193 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $463 per credit hour

Financial aid: State grants, federal grants, and scholarship applications

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Nassau Community College

New York residents can enroll in the communications arts degree program and participate in a hybrid format with about 50% online learning. Nassau Community College collaborates with the State University of New York (SUNY) to offer this degree, requiring 62 to 65 hours for graduation. You can set your pace for core courses and general education courses while enjoying professional mentorship from teachers and professors who teach both online and on-campus courses in communications.

Average in-state tuition: $242 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $242 per credit hour

Financial aid: Nassau Community College offers scholarships and helps students obtain loans and grants.

Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College's communications studies program includes a detailed outline of course requirements, including general education and other prerequisites. Students would normally begin with communication theory and interpersonal communications courses before progressing through a curriculum of public speaking, media, digital marketing, humanities electives, science electives, and foreign languages. The school also helps students with career coaching and how to transfer credits to four-year institutions.

Average in-state tuition: $170 per credit hour (Bucks County residents)

Average out-of-state tuition: $250 per credit hour

Financial aid: Federal Pell Grants, work-study opportunities, and equal-opportunity grants

Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Parkland College

Parkland College grants two associate degrees in communications: an AA degree and an Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The AA degree focuses on media communication (including public affairs), whereas the AAS concentrates on media arts and production (video, audio, and music). The latter presents an exciting option for students who get the chance to practice their skills working with the school's educational radio station.

Average in-state tuition: $186 per credit hour

Average out-of-state tuition: $315.26 per credit hour (online attendance)

Financial aid: Grants such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Accreditation: HLC

How We Rank Schools

Here's a brief description of how Learn.org ranks these communications programs. The rankings consider three important criteria: accreditation status, program quality, and tuition rates.

• Accreditation: The academic program must receive accreditation from an accepted accrediting board like the HLC.
• Program reputation and quality: This list includes quality academic programs with professional faculty, academic advisors, and other student support services.
• Tuition cost: The rankings focus on affordable degree programs without compromising coursework quality.

FAQs About Communication Associate Degree Programs

If you still have questions about earning an associate degree in communications, then please consider these frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the topic. This section will cover degree benefits, program duration, and potential career paths.

What Are the Benefits of Earning an Associate Degree in Communication?

By studying communication theory and its practical applications, you'll develop several important skills necessary in today's professional environment. This includes developing interpersonal communication abilities, comprehension of mass media resources, the fundamentals of market analysis, and critical thinking skills. You can enjoy growing in these areas and earn a useful credential by enrolling in one of many online communications degrees.

How Long Does It Take To Complete an Online Associate of Arts in Communication?

Most associate degrees in communication require two years of dedicated study. However, there are plenty of ways to complete degree requirements quicker if you take summer courses, test out of general education requirements, or submit advanced placement (AP) credits from high school. We also welcome you to review our list of easiest communications degree, which you complete quickly online at your own pace.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Communications Degree?

A communications degree could be your beginning step toward a rewarding career in several fields: public relations, marketing, journalism, and media, grant writing, technical writing, and more. Many communications graduates advance toward exciting careers as social media managers, digital marketing strategists, public relations directors, editors, content creators for various media, and beyond.

Explore Online Degree Programs

You can learn much more about majoring in communications or obtaining a degree faster by exploring online degree programs on Learn.org. Now is your chance to earn a high-quality degree, pay less for it, and do it all remotely.